The first time we go to the doctor, we’re in the ER, because we didn’t go get the annual check-up. Most of what’s killing us is preventable.

Black men disproportionately live in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure, nutritional scarcity, and environmental hazards. Rooted in historical practices of segregation, these factors directly contribute to health inequities and the correlation between them and poor health outcomes is both tragic and undeniable.

Nearly half -46%- of Black men say they’ve had negative encounters with the healthcare system. Too often this stems from the healthcare provider not listening to or believing them as they described their symptoms. These experiences create mistrust in the system that gets in the way of Black men seeking care.

Black men are disproportionately affected by chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease. In combination with socioeconomic factors, like insurance gaps, and discrimination within healthcare settings, these elements unjustly exacerbate otherwise manageable health challenges.

Economic constraints and a shortage of Black doctors result in delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes because Black men aren’t getting screened regularly. Just 5% of doctors nationwide identify as Black, leaving a massive deficit in doctors available to provide culturally competent care.

The mental health crisis among Black men is compounded by social stigma and a lack of culturally informed care. The scarcity of Black mental health professionals and the realities of systemic racism within healthcare create significant barriers for Black men to access the mental health services they need.